‘Not another survey’

Research methods influence the nature of evidence that is collected, how that evidence is interpreted, styles of theorizing, and modes of reporting. David A. Buchanan and Alan Bryman argue that methods are not neutral. Unconventional methods give us new lenses and perspectives on traditional topics, and open up fresh lines of inquiry. The distinction between conventional and unconventional is blurred, and methodology can be unconventional on a number of dimensions. The roots and consequences of methodological conservatism are explored, and the trend towards ‘polymorphic’ (many forms) research is explored. A survey of journal editors reveals that they and their reviewers are broadly receptive to the use of unconventional methods, as long as they are adequately justified. The main barrier to the adoption of unconventional methods lies with researchers who believe that the use of non-standard approaches will be punished by rejection. The chapter concludes with an outline of the book’s structure.

Conservatism · Epistemology · Political science · Sociology · Law · Philosophy · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics